AMERICAN JAZZ & POPULAR MUSIC
MHL 145 Class #11308
Course Syllabus Spring 2015
Professor: Milas Yoes milas.yoes@phoenixcollege.edu
Office Hrs.: MTWR 9:00 - 9:50 a.m.
Office: M113 Phone: (602) 285-7271
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DESCRIPTION
Origins, development, and varieties of American jazz and popular music from the early 1900's to present.
Prerequisites: None. This course is designed to be a learning laboratory that incorporates the various aspects of history, sociology and musical culture from a jazz perspective.
MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
1. List and identify by sound instruments used in jazz.
2. Describe typical rhythms and meters used in jazz.
3. Identify a twelve-bar blues structure.
4. Define improvisation and explain its role in jazz.
5. Identify the scored big band sound.
6. List influential jazz musicians and their contributions.
7. List major jazz periods in chronological order.
8. Describe stylistic characteristics of each major jazz style.
PRESENTATION FORMAT
Course material will be presented in a variety of ways including formal lectures, learning groups, guest lectures and occasional performances of live music.
EVALUATION PROCESS
Grades will be based on student performance. Evaluation will include three essay exams (150 pts.), two oral presentations (100 pts.). The Final Exam is Tuesday May 12 @ 10 am, and daily attendance (150 points).
NO MAKE UP EXAMS!
ATTENDANCE POLICY
• There are 30 class meetings. Students receive 5 points for each class they attend for a total of 150 possible points.
**** Students will be dropped from class after THREE absences!
• Please inform the instructor of any absences by phone, email, or in person prior to class time.
Extenuating circumstances will be considered at the discretion of the instructor.
Class begins at the posted start time. Lateness is unacceptable. For every two times a student is late to class or leaves early, it will be counted as an unexcused absence and a loss of 2.5 points each time.
***** Students will be dropped after they accumulate the equivalent of three unexcused absences.

DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES
It is college policy to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. If you would like to request accommodations due to a physical, mental or learning disability, please contact the Disability
Resource Center office, Learning Center (LC) Building, 602-285-7277.
POLICY CHANGE
Information included in this syllabus may be subject to change. The instructor will notify students if any changes in course requirements or policies is needed.
FACILITY USE
Students are expected to treat the Phoenix College Music Building facilities with respect. Intentional damage to the Music Building facility (including electronic equipment, school instruments, classroom furniture, restrooms, etc.) will result in immediate removal from all Music Classes and possible criminal prosecution.
Use of cell phones (including text messaging) is strictly forbidden during class time.
Students texting during a lecture will be asked to leave and will receive an unexcused absence.
Students may not leave the classroom at any time, especially during exams. Anyone who leaves will be asked leave and will receive an unexcused absence.
GENERAL EDUCATION ASSESSMENT STATEMENT
The faculty and staff at Phoenix College believe that your college education should not only include learning content, but also developing important life-long skills. We call these general education outcomes. The 5 general education outcomes we have identified that should be developed throughout your college career are:
Writing - develop effective writing skills to communicate.
Numeracy - learn to use numerical concepts and data effectively.
Critical Thinking - learn to apply critical thinking skills to solve problems, make informed
decisions, and interpret events.
Oral Presentation - plan and deliver an oral presentation to a target audience.
Information Literacy - learn to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively, ethically, and
legally.
In this course, we will be focusing on all five concepts including Writing, Numeracy, Critical Thinking,
Oral Presentation and Information Literacy. All exams will be in essay form. Music requires mathematical structure for rhythm, melody, harmony and form. Musical analysis requires advanced critical thinking skills. The final exam project is an ethnography which requires an oral presentation and information gathering skills relevant to Information Literacy.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR COLLEGE POLICIES
Students are responsible for knowing all college policies that pertain to them as found in the college

catalogue and student handbook. College catalogues and student handbooks can be obtained from
Admissions and Records or viewed online from the Phoenix College website
(http// www.pc.maricopa.edu
) under the "Student Services" section.